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'Mike & Molly' Protester Urges Action and Perseverance

ICTMN Staff

3/14/13

When she heard from a CBS representative that the network had no plans to apologize for a racially-insensitive remark made on a recent episode of Mike & Molly, activist Raven Ross organized a protest of her local CBS affiliate. The quip in question played on stereotypes of Natives as alcoholics. Ross has now contacted ICTMN with an update on her action, which took place on Monday (the day Mike & Molly airs) in Phoenix outside the offices of KPHO Channel 5.

"We had a small showing, but Channel 5 TV came out and took an interview with us," Ross said. "Channel 5 aired the segment at 5:00 p.m. No other TV news reporters came out, because we did not inform them. In addition, migrant workers were having a large protest for employment rights at the State Capital at the same time we were conducting ours."

Ross is not deterred. "It's time to move onto Plan B," she says. But will not elaborate: "That's confidential info at this time."

Ross did share a few further thoughts about the situation. "How is it Fox News contributor Tucker Carslon can apologize for his comments on Wiccans and CBS is not budging for American Indians?" she asked, referring to statements Carlson made two weeks ago.

"Racism is alive and rearing its ugly head in the 21st Century," Ross continued. "I urge all Natives out there to organize protests to boycott CBS and the Mike & Molly show. Don't let this slide. Keep the fire burning. Send a clear message to all your news networks -- especially CBS affiliates -- that we demand an apology for the racist and stereotypical comment made. This is not a joke. The 22 Arizona tribes are not a joke. The comment was a slap in the face to all the Indigenous peoples of North America."

"The time has come for all Indigenous Nations and those who support them to rise to the occasion," Ross added. "We deserve respect, not indignities. We must strive to restore human dignity."

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Mike & Molly is an equal opportunity racist offender. It has demeaned the Asian community as well as American Indian people, in the name of what is deemed"Comedy". To use Comedy as an excuse to disparage and demean a proud people is both unacceptable and inexcusable. We will continue our efforts to BOYCOTT the commercial sponsors of this show and ask you to write letters to them and call your local station and express your concern. We ask that you write or call Domino's Pizza, AT&T, Subaru, Kohls and Target to name a few, and deprive them of your business. Until we do this collectively, and Nationally, we will continue to be the brunt of tasteless and racist innuendo. Do something about it ! ! Silence means approval. Do not be silent, anymore.

I am so glad you are taking a stand against this racist statement. It is not alright to speak of our people in this manner, it must be stopped. I typed a note to CBS, and let them know I was not pleased, but in fact shocked when I heard this statement as I watched the show! I used to enjoy this program now I don't really care if I ever watch it again. CBS should apologize to the native americans for their racist statement.

What is everyone so flustered about. What did the show say about Natives? If I can't see it there's no reason I should not watch their show..One thing is that we are such a small people, population wise. The haters don't care what we say. By protesting we don't make a dent in the hate machine! May the writers of this show all get arthritis in their fingers!